Winners Ms. Sheila Naturinda and Noah Junior
Ms. Sheila Naturinda and Noah Junior were yesterday crowned Miss and Mr. Y-Plus respectively for Western Uganda.
The Y+ Beauty Pageant is organized annually by the Uganda Network of People Living with HIV (UNYPA) to identify young people who can be mentored into advocates for the rights of people living with HIV across the country.
Besides western Uganda, Beauty shows have been held in Kampala for Central Uganda, Kamuli for Eastern Uganda and Kwania District for the Northern Region.
The in the western regional event was held on Saturday at the Kabale District Rukiiko hall.
The final competition is scheduled for the 28th November 2020 at Serena Hotel, Kampala.
Sheilah Naturinda 21 from Kabale District and Noah Junior 22, from Mbarara City emerged winners from a group of 30 contestants. Ms Precious Ainebyona and Peter Ngambenawe both from Kabale were declared Miss Y+ and Mr. Y+ 1st runners up respectively.
While addressing the press after the show, Sheila said she planned to use her new title as a platform to fight stigma among the youths living with HIV as well as educating her peers about dangers of cross generational sex which exposes them to infection.
Noah said he was forced to join the beauty pageant in search of a stage from where he would advocate for the young people living with HIV in the upcountry localities.
Noah explained that young people living with HIV in the villages were facing more hardships while seeking medical services compared to those living in urban areas.
Christopher Namara, the Kabale District Community Development Officer While speaking as the Chief Guest commended the work done by the UNYPA in organizing the Beauty Pageants.
He also applauded the contestants for boldly presenting themselves as advocates for the rights of people living with HIV.